New Variance Request Form at a glance
What it is: The New Variance Request Form is for requesting a variance for the first time or resubmitting a new variance that was previously denied or deferred.
Where and when to file: All documents should be sent via email in a PDF format or mailed to the Board. If the request is sent to any other board or email address, the request may not be included on the agenda for the Variance and Policy Review Committee meeting in question.
The pharmacist-In-Charge of a pharmacy requesting a variance, or in the case of manufacturers, wholesalers or gas distributors, a person responsible for the operation, may request that the board grant a variance from any rule of the Board of Pharmacy.
What to bring and attach to New Variance Request Form
When submitting, you must include any policies and procedures (along with any relevant information) that the board should consider along with your request.
This document must be submitted with all requested supporting documents. Please note cutoff dates and times for each meeting.
A filled-in New Variance Request Form example: a first request for a one-year variance
How to fill out New Variance Request Form, box by box
Initial Request, Resubmission - Variance # and I request an appointment
Mark Initial Request or Resubmission - Variance # and enter the variance number; mark I request an appointment or An appointment is not necessary for this request.
If you would like to be present for the Variance and Policy review meeting to discuss your submission, you must request an appointment on the variance request form. Appointment times are 30 minutes in length and must be requested at the time of the variance submittal.
If you wish to request an appointment, complete the appointment section on the form. Staff will reach out to you if an appointment is available.
Appointments are 30 minutes in length and will be granted to new variances first and then to renewed variances that are proposing significant changes in the policy and procedures. Appointment times will not be assigned until all required documents are received.
Contact Information
Contact Information: this is the authorized individual that can answer questions on the variance request.
Pharmacist-In-Charge and the rule
Under Person subject to the rules of the Board of Pharmacy requesting this variance, enter the Pharmacist-In-Charge Name and License #, and list the specific rule for which the variance is requested (MN Rules start with 6800).
Site affected
Under Site affected, enter the Site Name, License #, Address and City, State, Zip.
Provide a brief summary and Explain
Provide a brief summary of your request explaining what you are proposing.
Explain how the request will not adversely affect the health, safety, or well-being of the public.
Explain why the proposal is equivalent or superior to the requirement of the rule for which the variance is requested.
Explain why the compliance with the current rule will impose an undue burden on your operations.
Describe the methodology and standards for monitoring the outcomes if variance is approved and explain how you will conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure that there are no adverse effects.
Length of time the variance requested
Under Length of time the variance requested, mark 1 year, 2 Years or Other.
Attorney or other representative
If an attorney or other representative assisted you with your request, list their information: Name and Phone #.
Trade Secret
Is information submitted in this variance request considered to be "trade secret" according to you or the entity you are authorized to submit the variance request on behalf of? Mark Yes or No.
What are trade secret information? If *Yes, a detailed written explanation of how the data qualifies as trade secreted information.
Signature and Date signed
The Pharmacist-In-Charge (PIC) that is requesting the variance must be the signer of the request form for the request to be considered valid. If anyone else signs the form for a pharmacy, the request will not be considered valid.
Acknowledgement: "I hereby attest to the accuracy and the truthfulness of the information contained herein."
Signature of Pharmacist-In-Charge, or Manufacturers/Wholesalers/Gas Distributor Responsible Person, and Date signed.
More rules for New Variance Request Form
Meeting appointments are 30 minutes and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each request must contain the following information: A. the specific rule for which the variance is requested; B. the reason for the request; C. the alternative measures that will be taken if a variance is granted; D. the length of time for which a variance is requested; andE. any other relevant information necessary to properly evaluate the request for the variance.
Contact the Board Surveyors at 651.201.2839 with questions.
If this form is incomplete and/or documents required for review of the variance are not submitted by the cutoff date, the Board will not consider this to be a valid request and may return the document to the requester.
If your situation is different
You are renewing an existing variance
Use the Variance Renewal Request form if you are requesting to renew an existing variance or your previous renewal request for an existing variance was denied or deferred and you are resubmitting the request. Do not use this form.
Any request for the renewal of a variance shall be submitted in writing prior to the expiration date of the existing waiver.
After the Board meeting
A Board meeting will usually occur two weeks after the variance committee meets. You will receive a letter after the Board meeting to notify you of the Board's decision.
The board shall notify the applicant in writing within 60 days of the board's decision.
Common questions about New Variance Request Form
Is there a deadline?
Variance and appointment requests will only be accepted until 12:00 PM on the submission deadline. If the variance request form is incomplete and/or if the form and supporting documents are not submitted by the submission deadline date and time, the submission will not be considered a valid variance request and will be either postponed to the next meeting or returned to the requestor. All meetings begin at 9:00 am, please see the Board's website for current dates and submission deadlines.
Where do I file it?
E-mail or Fax this form to the MN Board of Pharmacy. Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, 335 Randolph Ave, Suite 230, Saint Paul, MN 55102; Fax: (651) 215-0951; E-mail: pharmacy.board@state.mn.us.
Sources
[1] New Variance Request Form (Rev. 02/2026), Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (the Official source link on this page).